ANA 2024: Defence holds the key for A1 premiership pursuit according to Bullets coach Phil Dawson

Bullets 1 coach Phil Dawson has pinpointed defence as the crucial factor for success as his team prepares to avenge last year’s grand final heartbreak against Royals 1, in the Albany Netball Association A1 showdown on Saturday. Bullets have been superb this season claiming the minor premiership and booking their spot in the decider with a brilliant 10-goal victory over Denmark Magpies 1 in the qualifying final. Having defeated Royals in both of their games this season, Dawson said the victories were built on defence and forcing turnovers up the court. “Like every final, it’ll be won on defence, the one who can get the most defensive work done, and get their shooters extra shots, that’s the team that will win,” Dawson said. “It’ll start with keeping control of the ball in the centre court as much as possible and getting them to make as many mistakes as possible. “We’ve beaten them twice this season so just shutting down their centre court will be a good start and we’ll be looking to put as much pressure on the centre court as possible.” Bullets lost to Royals in last year’s decider, but Dawson said his side is ready for the pressure of this year’s contest. “The pressure is pretty even for both sides. They’re coming from third having beaten the second-top side and we’ve been playing fairly well all season,” he said. “Finals are totally different, once you get your finals, there’s pressure on everybody. “We will be talking about last year’s grand final. . . and they’ve had fire in the belly all year — they’re pretty determined. “Sometimes you’ve got to lose grand finals to win them.” Bullets are fully fit ahead of the big dance, with defensive star Claire Holliday a likely match-up for Royals shooter Jazelle Foggin while goal defender Rachel Adams will be imperative in assuming their desired control of the centre court.